And those bonuses add up to around $6 million a year, so the theory goes that slashing the bonuses could shave nearly 10 percent off the shortfall next year.

But a representative for the union that represents Muni operators explained that the "bonus" is actually a charter-mandated payment from a city-funded trust to make sure that employees receive health benefits on par with other transit systems.

The larger issue is whether the voter-approved addition to the City's charter which determines wage and benefit scales should be changed to give more power to Muni management to negotiate employee compensation.

If the SFMTA is as good as charging riders more while providing less service, just imagine how good they'll be at paying less and demanding more work from employees!